By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, AUG. 14 – Excitement is building in Namibia as Fly Etosha, a fledgling airline founded by Captain William Ekandjo, the former figure behind the now-defunct national carrier Air Namibia, prepares to launch operations in the coming months. The airline’s ambitious vision aims to enhance Namibia’s aviation landscape, focusing on various domestic routes and expanding into South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Fly Etosha, aptly named after the renowned Namibian game park, seeks to establish its presence and contribute to the growth of the country’s aviation sector. Despite initial concerns voiced by FlyNamibia, often considered the de facto national airline, the objections were quickly withdrawn after encountering a notable public backlash in February.
In his interviews with Namibian media outlets, Captain William Ekandjo outlined the forthcoming airline’s strategy, which includes servicing several domestic destinations alongside regional routes to South Africa and Zimbabwe. While Fly Etosha’s air service license and AOC (Air Operator Certificate) are yet to be secured, Ekandjo remains optimistic about the venture’s potential.
Ekandjo’s plans encompass a diverse fleet, with a reported interest in a range of 21 aircraft types, spanning from Cessna Grand Caravans to ATR 72s and Fokker 50s. He emphasized the availability of suitable regional aircraft for acquisition or leasing, aiming to facilitate the start-up process.
With a pragmatic approach, Ekandjo envisions the airline commencing international services within two years after its inaugural flight, hinting at an optimistic timeline for the ambitious endeavour.
While the challenges of launching a new airline and competing with the established FlyNamibia are significant, the aspirations of Fly Etosha have stirred significant excitement within Namibia. Observers await the forthcoming developments, curious to witness the new airline’s impact on the country’s aviation industry.
